GARVAGHY ROAD RESIDENTS COALITION
Portadown
Co. Armagh, Ireland
Phone/Fax: Int.Code +44 (0)1762 392898
E-Mail Garvaghy @ aol.com
The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition Holds a Press Conference
At 6:30 pm the spokesperson for the Residents Coalition, Breandan Mac Cionnaith, spoke to a large gathering of press. He discussed today's meeting with Adam Ingram and recent meetings with David Trimble's representatives. At the Ingram meeting, the Coalition heard that the British Government would uphold the Rule of Law and the Parades Commission Decision. Mac Cionnaith had given the Residents' proposals to David Trimble and the Orange Order, but they were not accepted. Ingram also heard the proposals and acknowledged the community's willingness to talk and to negotiate up until the 12th hour.
Mac Cionnaith was asked about the feelings within the community with regards to the recent meetings and discussions, and the assurances given by the British government. He replied that the community's feelings had not changed since 1996, when after a rerouting decision by the then Chief Constable Hugh Ansley was overturned at the last minute and an Orange march was allowed down the Garvaghy Road. The residents are apprehensive about the possibility that this could happen again.
A community vigil began at 6:30pm on Saturday at the top of the Garvaghy Road and will remain there until 6pm Sunday evening. The residents will gather there to peacefully demonstrate their intention to see a just conclusion to this situation.